Abstract
Purpose To assess quality of life, glycemic control, and
safety/tolerability associated with liraglutide versus insulin
initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes in Germany.
Methods Liraglutide/insulin-naïve adults with type 2
diabetes and inadequate glycemic control despite using oral antidiabetic
medication were assigned to liraglutide (≤1.8 mg daily;
n=878) or any insulin (n=382) according to the treating
physician’s decision and followed for 52 weeks. The primary
objective was to evaluate Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life
(ADDQoL) scores.
Results At baseline, the liraglutide group was younger and had
shorter type 2 diabetes duration, lower glycated hemoglobin
(HbA1c), higher body mass index, and a lower prevalence of
certain diabetes-related complications than the insulin group (all
p<0.05). ADDQoL average weighted impact scores improved numerically
in both groups from baseline to 52 weeks (mean difference [95%
confidence interval], liraglutide vs. insulin: 0.159 [−0.023;0.340];
not significant). Changes in general wellbeing and five ADDQoL domains
significantly favored liraglutide (remaining 14 domains, not significant).
HbA1c reductions were greater with insulin than liraglutide
(−2.0% vs. −1.2%; p<0.01); however,
mean HbA1c after 52 weeks was 7.2% in both groups.
Compared with insulin, liraglutide significantly decreased body mass index
(−1.54 kg/m2 vs.
+0.27 kg/m2; p<0.001),
systolic blood pressure (−5.03 mmHg vs.
−1.03 mmHg; p<0.01) and non-severe hypoglycemia
(0.85% vs. 4.55% at 52 weeks; p<0.01). Adverse drug
reactions were reported for<3% of patients in both
groups.
Conclusions Liraglutide improved certain ADDQoL components and
reduced body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and non-severe
hypoglycemia versus insulin. Both treatments improved glycemic control.
Health Economic Benefits and Quality of Life During Improved Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus